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I am writing in support of the Lake Pend Oreille School District levy. We have a great school district and the main reason it is that way is because the people who live here invest in the schools. The State of Idaho does not provide enough funding to support schools. It is the local districts that have to make up the difference. This is one reason they call it “local control”, because we get to choose the level of support we provide our own schools.

If this levy doesn’t pass, schools will have larger classes because there will be 1/3 fewer teachers, fewer buses, maintenance staffing, no extracurricular activities and technology that will decline. For instance, at one school, with a loss of 1/3 of staff, there will be combination classes of 35-40 kids per class. This will be hard on the students who struggle and won’t get the support they need to grow. The high level kids will not get the opportunity to be challenged like they are now.

Our taxes will only be a 50 cents/month higher (with a $250,000 home). That is a small price to pay for the education of our future citizens who will support our city, state, and nation when those of us who are voting now, get old.

On March 14, please vote yes on this levy so we can continue with our great education system.

KATHE MURPHY

Sandpoint